THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

My memory of this Scorsese film was one of mild disappointment but I couldn’t say why - was it something about the Edith Wharton story or was it how it was put on the screen?

Either way, on this rewatch I was far from being disappointed.  In fact I was completely gripped by the unfolding scandalous relationship between the betrothed Newland (Daniel Day-Lewis, excellent as always) and the Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer, one of my faves, giving one of her finest performances). 

Slowly but inexorably the polite society surrounding Newland and the Countess manages to kill their burgeoning romance, and leads him having to submit himself to a dull marriage to May (Winona Ryder).  It's all very sad which is maybe why I didn't remember the film fondly.

Then at the end we flash forward several decades, to a conclusion where the aging Newland could meet the Countess, but he declines the opportunity.  I don't understand why, and found this ending a bit of a let-down. 

On the Screen Drafts Scorsese Super Draft this film shockingly ended up at No 1.  Whilst I wouldn't go quite that far, it is now firmly one of my favourites of his films.

This is a stunning piece of cinema, from the acting, to the score, to the odd surprising touches, and above all to the exquisite images. There’s a scene in a Boston park with a boating lake that is like a piece of French Impressionism brought to life.  Gorgeous. 

RATING: ✓✓ Catch It If You Can